MORE than three-quarters of Spaniards want the government to intervene in the housing market to improve access to affordable homes, a new survey has revealed.
Around 76% believe the state should intervene ‘as much as necessary’ to ensure people can access housing, according to a survey published by Spain’s Centre for Sociological Research (CIS) on October 8.
The poll, which was conducted between June 22 and 30, is the first dedicated housing survey carried out by the public research body in eight years.
It also found that nine out of ten respondents support building more social housing, while around 80% said they were very or fairly concerned about the state of the property market.
Four in ten Spaniards said they were personally affected by the housing crisis.
Housing has remained the biggest concern among Spaniards in CIS surveys for 22 consecutive months, underlining the scale of the problem facing the country.
The findings come amid growing anger over housing affordability, with protests continuing in Madrid after the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from the home where she had lived for more than 70 years.
Maricarmen Abascal’s eviction sparked national outrage and helped fuel a protest camp in the capital’s Puerta del Sol square, where demonstrators have called for action over the housing crisis.
The case has increased pressure on political leaders to address soaring housing costs and improve access to affordable accommodation.
The survey adds to mounting calls for government intervention as Spain grapples with rising rents, a shortage of affordable homes and growing difficulties for residents trying to get onto the property ladder.
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